A nurse is developing a discharge plan for a client who is postoperative and will require a wheelchair in the home. The nurse should place a referral to which of the following resources to assist the client with this need?

a. "I should encrypt personal health information when sending emails."

This statement indicates an understanding of the importance of protecting confidential information during electronic communication. Encrypting personal health information in emails adds an extra layer of security to prevent unauthorized access.

b. "I can use another nurse’s password as long as I log off after using the computer."

This statement is incorrect and demonstrates a lack of understanding of client confidentiality. Sharing passwords is a violation of security policies and compromises the confidentiality of client information. Each nurse should have their unique login credentials to ensure accountability and traceability.

c. "I should discard personal health information documents in the trash before leaving the unit."

This statement is incorrect. Discarding personal health information in an unsecured manner, such as in the regular trash, can lead to unauthorized access and a breach of confidentiality. Proper disposal methods, such as shredding or using secure disposal containers, should be followed to protect sensitive information.

d. "I can post the client’s vital signs in the client’s room."

This statement is incorrect. Posting client information, including vital signs, in a public area like the client's room violates confidentiality. Personal health information should be shared only with authorized individuals involved in the patient's care and through secure communication methods. Posting such information in a public space compromises the client's privacy.

a. Store opened bottles of normal saline in a refrigerator for up to 48 hours:

Incorrect. Once opened, bottles of normal saline should generally be used within a short time frame (typically 24 hours) and should not be stored for extended periods to prevent contamination. This practice could lead to infection risks and is not recommended as a cost-containment measure.

b. Wait to dispose of sharps containers until they are completely full:

Incorrect. Overfilling sharps containers increases the risk of needle-stick injuries and potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Sharps containers should be disposed of when they are about three-quarters full to maintain safety.

c. Use clean gloves rather than sterile gloves for colostomy care:

Correct. For colostomy care, clean gloves are generally sufficient as it is a clean procedure, not a sterile one. Using clean gloves instead of sterile gloves reduces costs without compromising patient safety.

d. Return unused supplies from the bedside to the unit’s supply stock:

Incorrect. Returning unused supplies to the general supply stock can pose a risk of cross-contamination and infection. Once supplies have been brought to a patient's bedside, they are considered contaminated and should not be returned to the supply area.